SALT LAKE CITY — Despite the ridicule Los Angeles Lakers star Russell Westbrook has received in his first season with the franchise, one constant the guard has provided is availability.
Westbrook has been in the lineup in all but one of the team’s 76 contests. His lone absence was an early February game in Portland due to lower back tightness.
The Los Angeles native admitted it has been a trying experience for him and his family as he has been scolded by fans and media for what he would acknowledge as an inconsistent and underperforming year for a player of his caliber.
Through all the mental anguish, he continued to show up in hopes of finding his stride and delivering for his teammates.
In an exclusive interview with the nine-time All-Star after the Lakers fell to the Utah Jazz 122-109 Thursday night, he shared why he was against taking time off.
“Because it’s bigger than me, man,” Westbrook told Yahoo Sports. “I’m super blessed to have a platform to be able to help show and help other people. So I’m very prideful in showing people on the outside that regardless of the situation, the circumstances that I may be going through, there are ways to be able to get through it. I strongly believe that if I’m healthy, then I’ll be able to play and go out and compete.”
Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook has played some of his best basketball for the team in the last several games. (Harry How/Getty Images)
Westbrook is used to criticism, but it has been amplified this season in large part due to lofty team expectations and the astronomical microscope that comes with playing for the Lakers and teaming up with LeBron James.
In the heart of his struggles this season, loved ones wondered if he could use a day off here and there to clear his mind. Westbrook believed that approach wouldn’t be setting the right example.
“My family is my foundation,” Westbrook told Yahoo Sports. “My faith is my No. 1 foundation, and I lean on that. And anything…